The Commonwealth Games — the quadrennial Olympics-like sporting event open to the Commonwealth of Nations, which comprises primarily territories of the former British Empire — opened last week in Scotland, and to endear themselves to any person with a beating heart, Scottish organizers planned a BuzzFeed-worthy spectacle: Each team was led into the stadium by a Scottie dog clad in tartan, the team’s name on the coat. Some teams, though, were less than enthused. The Daily Beast reports:
Mohamad Sabu, the deputy president of the opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party told the Daily Telegraph: “This is just so disrespectful to Malaysia and Muslims — especially as it happened during Ramadan. Muslims are not allowed to touch dogs, so the organiser should have been more aware and sensitive on this issue.”
Dato Ibrahim Bin Ali, a far-Right politician, former MP and founder and president of Malay supremacist group Perkasa also called for an apology.
“I think it is unbecoming. The hosts have not been sensitive enough — especially in a so-called knowledgeable and civilised society like Britain. . . . It is shameful and has offended not only Malaysia as a Muslim country, but Muslims around the world.”
Perhaps the pup leading the Malaysian delegation knew he was unwelcome. He refused to move and had to be carried about the stadium.
UPDATE: If the spectacle of several dozen of these furry friends in parade does not make your day, you’re dead inside.
Also, courtesy of the UK Independent, peppy video of Scottie owners preparing their dogs for the big day. Cute canines and national pride in one place? These Scots can barely contain their excitement.
